Chapter 4 – Requirements Modeling

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. The ____ phase of the SDLC includes four main activities: requirements modeling,
data and process modeling, object modeling, and consideration of development
strategies.
a. systems planning c. systems design
b. systems analysis d. systems implementation

PTS: 1 REF: 132

2. One of the main activities in the systems analysis phase is ____ modeling, which
involves fact-finding to describe the current system and identification requirements for
the new system.
a. objective c. goal-based
b. requirements d. user-based

PTS: 1 REF: 132

3. ____ enable a systems analyst to identify a problem, evaluate the key elements, and
develop a useful solution.
a. Analytical skills c. Interpersonal skills
b. Artistic skills d. Confrontational skills

PTS: 1 REF: 133

4. Greater user involvement in the system development process usually results in ____.
a. poorer communication c. slower development times
b. more satisfied users d. lower quality deliverable

PTS: 1 REF: 133

5. ____ are especially important to a systems analyst who must work with people at all
organizational levels, balance conflicting needs of users, and communicate effectively.
a. Analytical skills c. Interpersonal skills
b. Artistic skills d. Confrontational skills

PTS: 1 REF: 133

6. RAD relies heavily on ____.

a. prototyping c. agile methods
b. management direction d. Scrum
PTS: 1 REF: 136

7. The primary advantage of RAD is that ____.

a. systems can be developed more quickly with significant cost savings
b. the company’s strategic business needs are emphasized and the mechanics of the
system are not stressed
c. the decelerated time cycle allows more time to develop quality, consistency, and
design standards
d. systems are developed more slowly with fewer bugs

PTS: 1 REF: 137

8. In a(n) ____, team members prepare to lunge at each other to achieve their
objectives.
a. dodge c. scrum
b. resequencing d. adaptation

PTS: 1 REF: 138

9. Using a(n) ____, an analyst can show business functions and break them down into
lower-level functions and processes.
a. UML c. FDD
b. TCO d. REJ

PTS: 1 REF: 140

10. A(n) ____ is a top-down representation of a function or a process.

a. UML c. FDD
b. TCO d. REJ

PTS: 1 REF: 140

11. The ____ is a widely used method of visualizing and documenting software systems
design.
a. UML c. FDD
b. TCO d. REJ

PTS: 1 REF: 141

12. A ____ is a UML technique that visually represents the interaction between users
and an information system.
a. TCO c. use case diagram
b. data schematic d. user-based flowchart
PTS: 1 REF: 141

13. In a use case diagram, the user becomes a(n) ____, with a specific role that
describes how he or she interacts with a system.
a. agent c. interlocutor
b. actor d. master

PTS: 1 REF: 141

14. A(n) ____ diagram shows the timing of interactions between objects as they occur.
a. timing c. orientation
b. ordering d. sequence

PTS: 1 REF: 142

15. Which of the following is a general category of system requirements?

a. daily reports c. response time
b. inputs d. login security

PTS: 1 REF: 143

16. ____ is a typical example of a system requirement for the output category.
a. Manufacturing employees must swipe their ID cards into data collection terminals that
record labor costs
b. The contact management system must generate a daily reminder list for all
sales reps
c. The student records system must allow record access by either the student name or
the student number
d. The system must support 25 users simultaneously

PTS: 1 REF: 143

17. ____ is a typical example of a system requirement for the input category.
a. As a final step in year-end processing, the payroll system must update employee
salaries, bonuses, and benefits
b. Response time must not exceed four seconds
c. The system must provide log-on security at the operating system level and at the
application level
d. Student grades must be entered on machine-scannable forms prepared by the
instructor

PTS: 1 REF: 144

18. ____ is a typical example of a system requirement for the process category.
a. The Web site must report online volume statistics every four hours and hourly during
peak periods
b. The system must be operated seven days a week, 365 days a year
c. The equipment rental system must not execute new rental transactions for
customers who have overdue tapes
d. All transactions must have audit trails

PTS: 1 REF: 144

19. ____ is a typical example of a system requirement for the performance category.
a. The purchasing system must provide suppliers with up-to-date specifications
b. Each input form must include date, time, product code, customer number, and
quantity
c. The manager of the sales department must approve orders that exceed a customer’s
credit limit
d. The student records system must produce class lists within five hours after the
end of registration

PTS: 1 REF: 144

20. ____ is a typical example of a system requirement for the control category.
a. The customer analysis system must produce a quarterly report that identifies
changes in ordering patterns
b. The system must maintain separate levels of security for users and the system
administrator
c. The data entry screens must be uniform, except for background color, which can be
changed by the user
d. The warehouse distribution system must analyze daily orders and create a routing
pattern for delivery trucks

PTS: 1 REF: 144

21. To evaluate ____, a systems analyst needs information about projected future
volume for all outputs, inputs, and processes.
a. scalability c. compatibility
b. reliability d. applicability

PTS: 1 REF: 145

22. The term ____ refers to a system’s ability to handle increased business volume and
transactions in the future.
a. scalability c. compatibility
b. reliability d. applicability
PTS: 1 REF: 145

23. In addition to direct costs, systems developers must identify and document indirect
expenses that contribute to the ____.
a. TCO c. FDD
b. REJ d. UML

PTS: 1 REF: 145

24. Microsoft has developed a method for measuring a system’s total costs and
benefits, called ____, which is a framework to help IT professionals analyze and
optimize IT investments.
a. TCO c. FDD
b. REJ d. UML

PTS: 1 REF: 146

25. In a(n) ____ structure, which usually is based on interpersonal relationships, some
people have more influence or knowledge than appears on an organization chart.
a. spontaneous c. informal
b. unstructured d. open-ended

PTS: 1 REF: 149

26. In an interview, ____ encourage spontaneous and unstructured responses.

a. open-ended questions c. leading questions
b. closed-ended questions d. range-of-response questions

PTS: 1 REF: 150

27. In an interview, ____ limit or restrict the response.

a. open-ended questions c. leading questions
b. closed-ended questions d. range-of-response questions

PTS: 1 REF: 150

28. In an interview, ____ are questions that ask a person to evaluate something by
providing limited answers to specific responses or on a numeric scale.
a. open-ended questions c. leading questions
b. closed-ended questions d. range-of-response questions

PTS: 1 REF: 150

29. Supporters of neutral locations for interviews believe that it ____.
a. makes the interviewee feel comfortable during the meeting
b. gives the interviewee easy access to supporting material that might be needed
c. keeps interruptions to a minimum so people can concentrate fully
d. gives the interviewee opportunity to take calls during the interview

PTS: 1 REF: 151

30. If an interviewee gives only short or incomplete responses to open-ended questions,

a systems analyst should do which of the following ____.
a. switch to closed-ended questions
b. give the interviewee easy access to supporting material that might be needed
c. continue using open-ended questions
d. rudely conclude the meeting

PTS: 1 REF: 153

31. When studying an information system, examples of actual documents should be

collected using a process called ____.
a. stratification c. indexing
b. randomization d. sampling

PTS: 1 REF: 158

32. When preparing a representative sample from a list of 200 customers who
complained about errors in their statements, a ____ might select every tenth customer
for review.
a. systematic sample c. random sample
b. stratified sample d. comprehensive sample

PTS: 1 REF: 158

33. When preparing a representative sample from a list of 200 customers who
complained about errors in their statements, a ____ could ensure the sample is
balanced geographically by selecting five customers from each of four zip codes.
a. systematic sample c. random sample
b. stratified sample d. comprehensive sample

PTS: 1 REF: 158

34. When preparing a representative sample from a list of 200 customers who
complained about errors in their statements, a ____ might select any 20 customers.
a. systematic sample c. random sample
b. stratified sample d. comprehensive sample

PTS: 1 REF: 158

35. A common tool for showing the distribution of a questionnaire or sampling results is
a vertical bar chart called a(n) ____.
a. flowchart c. agile method
b. histogram d. Venn diagram

PTS: 1 REF: 161

36. Some ____, such as Microsoft Outlook, include a personal calendar, a to-do list,
and powerful contact management features.
a. PIMs c. PDAs
b. laptops d. Visios

PTS: 1 REF: 163

37. A category of information management software or programs designed for the large
amount of information generated by an IT project is called _____.
a. PIM c. PDA
b. Project data management d. Personal data management

PTS: 1 REF: 162

38. Software such as Microsoft OneNote is a type of ____ software.

a. PIM c. Project data management
b. Personal data management d. PDA

PTS: 1 REF: 163

39. In projects where it is desirable to obtain input from a large number of people, a(n)
____, such as that shown in the accompanying figure, can be a valuable tool.
a. interview c. sample
b. questionnaire d. research report

PTS: 1 REF: 156

40. The kind of document shown in the accompanying figure starts with a heading,
which should include all except which of the following ____.
a. a brief statement of purpose
b. your suggestions
c. your signature
d. your observations

PTS: 1 REF: 157

MULTIPLE RESPONSE

Modified Multiple Choice

1. Compared with traditional methods, when properly used, JAD can result in ____.
a. less expense and greater manageability if the group is too large
b. more accurate statement of system requirements
c. better understanding of common goals
d. stronger commitment to the success of the new system

2. When preparing a checklist of specific tasks to observe and questions to ask, a

systems analyst should consider ____.
a. asking sufficient questions to ensure a complete understanding of the present
system operation
b. observing all steps in a transaction and noting the documents, inputs, outputs,
and processes involved
c. talking to the people who receive current reports to see whether the reports are
complete, timely, accurate, and in a useful form
d. examining each form, record, and report

3. When designing a questionnaire, all of the following are ideas to keep in mind: ____.
a. providing clear instructions that will answer all anticipated questions
b. arranging questions in a logical order
c. trying to lead the response or use questions that give clues to expected answers
d. phrasing all questions to avoid misunderstandings, and use simple terms and
wording

4. When recording facts, a systems analyst should document the work by ____.
a. recording information as soon as it is obtained
b. recording findings in such a way that they can be understood by someone else
c. organizing documentation so related material is located easily
d. using the most complex recording method possible

5. When recording and documenting information, Microsoft Word can create _____.
a. reports c. tables
b. summaries d. forms

MODIFIED TRUE/FALSE
1. JAD provides a fast-track approach to a full spectrum of system development tasks,
including planning, design, construction, and implementation. FALSE; RAD

2. An agile approach emphasizes continuous feedback, and each incremental step is

affected by what was learned in the prior steps. TRUE

3. In a sequence diagram, vertical arrows represent messages from one object to

another. FALSE; HORIZONTAL

4. The personal interview usually is the least expensive fact-finding technique.

FALSE; MOST

5. A graphic modeling program allows you to manage details of a complex project,

create queries to retrieve specific information, and generate custom reports.
FALSE; DATABASE

TRUE/FALSE

1. Each activity within the systems analysis phase has an end product and one or more
milestones.

TRUE

PTS: 1 REF: 133

2. Because it is linked to a specific development methodology, systems developers use

JAD whenever group input and interaction is not desired.

FALSE

PTS: 1 REF: 133

3. IT professionals recognize that successful systems must be user-oriented, and users

need to be involved, formally or informally, at every stage of systems development.

TRUE

PTS: 1 REF: 134

4. Because of the limited range of input and interaction among participants, few
companies believe that a JAD group produces the best definition of a new system.
FALSE

PTS: 1 REF: 134

5. Compared with traditional methods, the entire RAD process is expanded and, as a
result, the new system is built, delivered, and placed in operation much later.

FALSE

PTS: 1 REF: 137

6. The main objective of all RAD approaches is to extend development time and
expense by excluding users from every phase of systems development.

FALSE

PTS: 1 REF: 137

7. Because use cases depict a system through the eyes of a user, common business
language can be used to describe the transactions.

TRUE

PTS: 1 REF: 141

8. System requirements serve as benchmarks to measure the overall acceptability of a

finished system.

TRUE

PTS: 1 REF: 143

9. System requirements fall into five general categories: outputs, inputs, processes,
performance, and controls.

TRUE

PTS: 1 REF: 143

10. In addition to helping to gather and analyze facts, many programs also perform fact-
finding for systems analysts.
FALSE

PTS: 1 REF: 146

11. When fact-finding, asking what is being done is the same as asking what could or
should be done.

FALSE

PTS: 1 REF: 147

12. Knowledge of a company’s formal and informal structures helps a systems analyst
determine the people to interview during the systems analysis phase.

TRUE

PTS: 1 REF: 149

13. In the early stages of systems analysis, interviews usually focus on specific topics,
but as the fact-finding process continues, the interviews are more general.

FALSE

PTS: 1 REF: 149

14. Creating a standard list of interview questions helps a systems analyst to keep on
track and avoid unnecessary tangents.

TRUE

PTS: 1 REF: 149

15. A list of topics should be sent to an interviewee several days before the meeting,
especially when detailed information is needed, so the person can prepare for the
interview and minimize the need for a follow-up meeting.

TRUE

PTS: 1 REF: 150

16. When conducting an interview, after asking a question, allow the person enough
time to think about the question and arrive at an answer.

TRUE

PTS: 1 REF: 152

17. Although taking notes during an interview has both advantages and disadvantages,
the accepted view is that note taking should be extensive.

FALSE

PTS: 1 REF: 152

18. System documentation always is up to date.

FALSE

PTS: 1 REF: 154

19. Personal observation allows a systems analyst to verify statements made in

interviews and determine whether procedures really operate as they are described.

TRUE

PTS: 1 REF: 154

20. When designing a questionnaire, the most important rule of all is to make sure that
questions collect the right data in a form that can be used to further fact-finding.

TRUE

PTS: 1 REF: 157

21. When designing a questionnaire, arrange questions in a random order, intermixing

simple and more complex topics.

FALSE

PTS: 1 REF: 157

22. Before publishing a form on the Internet or a company intranet, a systems analyst
should protect it so users can change the layout or design but cannot fill it in.

FALSE

PTS: 1 REF: 157

23. The main objective of a sample is to ensure that it represents the overall population
accurately.

TRUE

PTS: 1 REF: 158

24. A single site visit usually gives true pictures, so it is unnecessary to visit more than
one installation.

FALSE

PTS: 1 REF: 159

25. The ability to manage information is the mark of a successful systems analyst and
an important skill for all IT professionals.

TRUE

PTS: 1 REF: 160

COMPLETION

1. The deliverable, or end product, of the systems analysis phase is a(n) system
requirements document, which is an overall design for the new system.

2. A common technique that allows users to participate in various development tasks is

called JAD/ Joint Application Development, which is a user-oriented technique for
fact-finding and requirements modeling.

3. In addition to joint application development, another popular user-oriented method is

RAD/ Rapid Application Development, which resembles a condensed version of the
entire SDLC with users involved every step of the way.
4. In the RAD model in the accompanying figure, during the user design phase users
interact with systems analysts and develop models and prototypes that represent all
system processes, outputs, and inputs.

5. In the RAD model in the accompanying figure, the construction phase focuses on
program and application development tasks similar to the SDLC.

6. In the RAD model in the accompanying figure, the cutover phase resembles the final
tasks in the SDLC implementation phase.

7. A(n) system requirement is a characteristic or feature that must be included in an

information system to satisfy business requirements and be acceptable to users.

8. The Zachman Framework is a model that asks the traditional fact-finding questions
in a systems development context.

9. A(n) interview is a planned meeting during which a systems analyst obtains

information from another person.

10. When phrasing interview questions, a systems analyst should avoid leading
questions that suggest or favor a particular reply.

11. The process of concentrating on what is said in an interview and noticing any
nonverbal communication that takes place is called engaged listening.

12. Document review is a fact-finding technique that can help a systems analyst
understand how the current system is supposed to work.

13. The observation of current operating procedures is a fact-finding technique that

gives a systems analyst additional perspective and a better understanding of system
procedures.

14. When observing people at work, a systems analyst should consider the Hawthorne
Effect, which suggests that worker productivity improves during observation.

15. A(n) questionnaire/ survey is a document containing a number of standard

questions that can be sent to many individuals.

16. A questionnaire can be a traditional paper form, or a(n) fill-in form can be created
and data collected on the Internet or a company intranet.
17. Research is an important fact-finding technique that can include the Internet, IT
magazines, and books to obtain background information, technical material, and news
about industry trends and developments.

18. Online forums and newsgroups are good resources for exchanging information
with other professionals, seeking answers to questions, and monitoring discussions of
interest.

19. Research can involve a visit to a physical location, called a(n) site visit, where the
objective is to observe a system in use at another location.

20. In the RAD model in the accompanying figure, the requirements planning phase
combines elements of the systems planning and systems analysis phases of the SDLC.

MATCHING

Identify the letter of the choice that best matches the phrase or definition.
a. TCO
b. closed-ended
c. agile method
d. FDD
e. RAD
f. open-ended
g. CASE tool
h. pool
i. UML
j. scalable

C 1. These methods develop a system incrementally, by building a series of prototypes

and constantly adjusting them to user requirements.

E 2. One of its risks is that a system might work well in the short term, but the corporate
and long-term objectives for the system might not be met.

H 3. In BPMN terminology, the overall diagram.

D 4. Creating one of these is similar to drawing an organization chart.

I 5. Provides various graphical tools, such as use case diagrams and sequence
diagrams.
J 6. This kind of system offers a better return on initial investment because it will have a
longer useful life.

A 7. In determining this, one problem is that cost estimates tend to understate costs
such as user support and downtime productivity losses.

F 8. Kinds of questions that are useful when a systems analyst wants to understand a
larger process or draw out the interviewee’s opinions, attitudes, or suggestions.

B 9. Systems analysts use this kind of question when they want information that is more
specific or to verify facts.

G 10. If one of these is available, analysts can use it to develop models and enter
documentation from the JAD session.

ESSAY

1. Briefly describe the four phases of the RAD model.

ANS: The four phases of the RAD model are requirements planning, user design,
construction, and cutover.

REQUIREMENTS PLANNING The requirements planning phase combines elements of

the systems planning and systems analysis phases of the SDLC. Users, managers, and
IT staff members discuss and agree on business needs, project scope, constraints, and
system requirements. The requirements planning phase ends when the team agrees on
the key issues and obtains management authorization to continue.

USER DESIGN During the user design phase, users interact with systems analysts and
develop models and prototypes that represent all system processes, outputs, and
inputs. The RAD group or subgroups typically use a combination of JAD techniques and
CASE tools to translate user needs into working models. User designis a continuous,
interactive process that allows users to understand, modify, and eventually approve a
working model of the system that meets their needs.

CONSTRUCTION The construction phase focuses on program and application

development tasks similar to the SDLC. In RAD, however, users continue to participate
and still can suggest changes or improvements as actual screens or reports are
developed.

CUTOVER The cutover phase resembles the final tasks in the SDLC implementation
phase, including data conversion, testing, changeover to the new system, and user
training. Compared with traditional methods, the entire process is compressed. As a
result, the new system is built, delivered, and placed in operation much sooner.

2. JAD, RAD, and agile methods all have advantages and disadvantages. What are
they?

3. What are the issues to consider as you compile your checklist of specific tasks you
want to observe and questions you want to ask during an observation of current
operating procedures?

CASE

Critical Thinking Questions

Case 4-1

Kieran has finished compiling the list of the various members of the JAD group: He is
the JAD project leader, Malia is the representative from top management, Simon is a
manager, Alisa and Ian are users, Shakira and Max are systems analysts, and Devon is
the recorder.

1. As Kieran develops the agenda he wants to put the name of the appropriate person
next to the agenda item. Whose name would he put next to the final task on the agenda,
the task of documenting the results of the JAD session and preparing the report that will
be sent to JAD team members?
a. Devon
b. Malia
c. Shakira
d. his own

2. There have been some rumblings within the firm that this development project is not
necessary so Kieran and others feel it is important to explain the reason for the project
at the outset. Whose name goes next to this point on the agenda?
a. his own
b. Simon
c. Max
d. Malia

Critical Thinking Questions

Case 4-2

Perry has inherited an Excel sheet that lists all of the system requirements for his
team’s new project, but unfortunately, his predecessor did not label the requirements
with categories—or in some cases failed to categorize them correctly—so he needs to
take care of this so the requirements can be sorted correctly.
3. Perry knows that there were supposed to be three performance examples but he
finds four in the spreadsheet. Which one of these is mislabeled as a performance
example?
a. The system must automatically generate an insurance claim form.
b. Response time must not exceed four seconds.
c. The online inventory control system must flag all low-stock items within one hour after
the quantity falls below a predetermined minimum.
d. The records system must produce key reports within five hours of the end of each
fiscal quarter.

4. Perry has found one system requirement that he thinks could fit into a couple of
different categories. What is the best categorization of this requirement: An employee
record must be added, changed, or deleted only by a member of the human resources
department?
a. performance
b. control
c. process
d. input